SAM’S Club members are upset with the chain after it announced a major change to member perks.
Sam’s Club Plus members will no longer be eligible for free shipping on some orders starting next month.
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Currently, the $110 per year Plus subscription offers free shipping on all orders.
However, the company recently announced that it would eliminate this benefit starting August 19th.
From that date onwards, free shipping will only be available on Plus shipping orders over $50.
This caused a quick reaction on social media, from members who did the math themselves.
MEMBER MADNESS
A Sam’s Club member took to Facebook to vent about the fee.
They said they hope the plan backfires.
“Wow, Sam’s Club just found a way to lose a lot of money by taking away free shipping for Plus members unless you order at least $50 worth of stuff,” she said.
She added that she plans to cancel — or at least downgrade — her membership.
“Now, $50 isn’t hard to come by once in a while, but a long-time Plus Member will cancel their Plus membership when it comes time to renew this fall,” she said. “And I suspect many others will too.”
“What a great way to alienate your members,” she added, with an eye-rolling emoji.
His commentators also weighed in.
“It seems like a lot of companies are doing this,” said one. “Especially big companies. After all, the millions of dollars they already earn are not enough.”
Walmart, which owns Sam’s Club, paid its top six executives nearly $100 million last year, according to Talk about business. This created resentment among some buyers.
“I’m glad you’re not renewing,” the commenter added. “They are deceiving us and we should stand up to them.”
“Pure greed in search of greater profits to please shareholders,” commented another.
One commentator had a different attitude.
“An item costs $50 these days,” she said. “Wait until you have $50 worth and still enjoy the shipping benefit! If you can not beat them, join them!”
Membership and store cards offered by major retailers
Here’s a breakdown of store cards offered to customers from various retailers and their benefits
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Costco:
- Gold Star Membership: $60 per year, shop at all Costco stores and online with two additional cards for your family.
- Executive Member: $120 per year, 2% annual rewards, discounts and additional benefits on Costco services, shop online and in-store and get two additional cards for home use.
- Sign up for a Costco membership here
Sam’s Club:
- Club membership: $50 Per Year, Bonus Offers, Same Day Delivery, Instant Savings, Sam’s Club Mastercard, Members Only Fuel Savings, Tire & Battery Center, Free Membership and Complimentary Memberships.
- More membership: $110 per year, all the benefits of Club membership plus Sam’s Cash, free shipping, free curbside pickup, advance purchases, and pharmacy and optical discounts.
- Sign up to be a Sam’s Club member here
Target:
- Target Circle: A free rewards program that allows users to earn 1% in Target Circle Earnings rewards when a qualifying purchase is made, access personalized deals and offers, receive a birthday gift, and earn a vote to help direct how Target helps your community .
- Target Circle Card: A credit, debit or reloadable card that offers users 5% off in-store and online, as well as exclusive offers, free two-day shipping and an additional 30-day return window. Formerly Target RedCard.
- Sign up for Target circle here
Walmart:
- Walmart+: $12.95 per month or $98 per year with 30-day free trial. It offers members free delivery, free shipping with no minimum spend, fuel savings, Paramount+ membership, car, Walmart+ travel, home returns, mobile scan and store entry, and early access to offers and product launches.
- Sign up for Walmart+ here
SAM WAS KNOCKED
The backlash against the membership change continued for weeks.
However, Sam’s has not indicated that it will change its plans.
The company told The US Sun that it was planning to eliminate some specific fees and increase selection for shipping orders.
A spokesperson also said customer reaction to the change was “extremely positive.”
Many threatened to switch to Costco because of the change.
Costco also charges shipping fees for orders, but these are usually just $3.
Some members say they can’t justify paying for the Plus membership.
While some are downgrading, others are canceling entirely.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
